Longboat Key News and Sarasota City News encourages Letters to the Editor on timely issues. Please email to: letters@lbknews.com or mail to PO Box 8001, Longboat Key, FL 34228. We also print letters sent to Town Hall that address Longboat Key issues. We reserve the right to edit.
Upcoming storm
To: Longboat Key Commission
Town staff is closely monitoring Disturbance 15 and coordinating with Sarasota County Emergency Management.
The well-defined tropical wave currently approaching eastern Cuba will continue moving west-northwestward near or across Cuba today, and then the Straits of Florida tonight or Saturday. Conditions are expected to become favorable for additional development after that time, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend over the Straits of Florida or eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida peninsula. Tropical storm watches or warnings could be required for portions of the forecast area later today. While uncertainty continues in the systems potential development and eventual track, heavy rainfall with localized flooding remains the primary threat at this point for the area. However, if quick development occurs in the eastern Gulf other local impacts would include; a wind threat, coastal flooding, marine hazards and possibly isolated tornadoes.
Any development will likely occur over the Straits of Florida or the eastern Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Heavy rainfall with localized flooding remains the primary threat. However, if quick development occurs in the eastern Gulf, other impacts would include; a wind threat, coastal flooding, marine hazards and possible tornadoes.
While tropical storm force winds and surges potentially as high as 4 to 6 feet could occur over western Florida, the main threat will be flooding rains due to the expected slow motion. Some areas, especially within the moderate impact area, could receive at least 10 to 15 inches of rain from this system.
Main Impacts
Rain: Expect travel delays as well as cases of urban and small stream flooding. Widespread major street flooding, along with some flood damage could occur in the moderate impact area.
Wind: Power outages could occur.
Surge: Moderate to potentially major coastal flooding is possible
We expect to issue an Alert Longboat Key later this morning to keep residents informed of this incident.
Paul B. Dezzi
Fire Chief
Town of Longboat Key
Town budget
To: Longboat Key Commission
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. As you know, the Town Charter requires that the Town Manager submits the Recommended Budget and accompanying message by August 1st each year for the ensuing fiscal year, October 1, 2024 -September 30, 2025. As Tip is out of the country, he gave me the honor of presenting this to you.
The attached memo provides a summary of our prior meeting on the budget, changes we have made since June and changes we expect to make by the September public hearing.
We are very excited to introduce our first Digital Budget Book powered by ClearGov. Sandi and I have been diligently getting this ready in time for its release this year. Finance has been working over the past year to implement a digital solution and innovative tool for our citizens that provides a comprehensive, transparent and easy-to-understand overview of the Town’s finances. It offers a user-friendly interface that breaks down the data into sections with charts and graphs. Citizens should be able to explore revenues, expenditure patterns and gain a better understanding of the different funds and fund types.
From the main menu, you can easily navigate to the different sections of the budget. Some web pages have additional links that you can click on and see additional detail behind the charts. If you select the Print button, you can select the sections you specifically want and have it email you a custom PDF file. It will tell you it could take up to three hours to complete this task, but it rarely takes that long.
Please explore this format and let us know how you like it. We welcome your feedback, questions and suggestions. This document is still a work in progress and we will continue to improve it over time. Have a great weekend and let me know if you have any questions.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Green space
To: Editor
Thanks Steve for the front page update on the proposed Sarasota County Library project on Longboat Key. As you know, I am virtually the “Lone Ranger”, along with my wife and good friend Matt Walsh, in publicly speaking out on this waste of $11 million in taxpayer money on a new Library in addition to $1 million a year in operating costs.
Also, waste of an additional $3.5 million of private philanthropic money for a meeting room and enhanced terrace to be included in the project.
Longboat Key is a very small, affluent Town and even smaller this time of year. There is no
common sense argument for this Library other than creating a monument to our County and Town officials.
For example, these millions could be more meaningfully spent on Sarasota County Foster Care kids in need, on the mainland, for tutorial education help or for others less fortunate than us. In Manatee County as well in terms of the philanthropic millions.
Not only is there no substantive justification for this multimillion Library other than “programming promises” in the County Library leader’s sales pitch, they are putting it in the wrong place that will limit Community Entertainment and Holiday Events on the Town Green, which is the real “Crown Jewel” of LBK. It already exists! Four plus acres of open green space to provide proven popular events residents have prioritized in the Town’s own LBK Citizen’s Surveys.
All of this is well intentioned but Longboat and the County needs to get real about our taxes and use priorities. You can bet your bottom tax dollar that the existing Library’s large parcel is being “saved” for expansion of Town Hall offices for additional staff as the Town Manager mentioned in your recent article.
You made real news here Steve, as this is the first time in all the Library location arguments put forth to use the existing Library area for the new one, has anyone from the Town admitted that fact. Only excuses, “it’s too small, it’s too low, it’s too late etc., etc.” Baloney! The County does not care where the Library is located!
(Note past Mayor and Architect Jim Brown’s Commission testimony recommending locating the County Library in the existing Library area and you have published many reader letters with this location suggestion as well).
As I said, it is now evident the Town wants to use a significant portion of the Town Green Community event space for the new County Library while quietly saving the larger existing Library area, next door to Town Hall, for future Town Hall office space expansion to accommodate additional staffing. I suggest exploring that new info more thoroughly with the Mayor.
Simply put, this new Library and its location, is about what the Town and County officials want, not what the majority of Longboat Key Citizens want. Check out the Longboat Key Citizen Survey priorities for the Town Green on the Town website.
Town and County officials should listen to the people. That is a scoop Steve!
Bob Gault
Longboat Key
Green space
To: Longboat Key Commission
I agree with Bob Gault that the four acres of green space would be kept pristine (for multiple civic uses) and to take the $11 million and build a new building on the same land as the original library. I’m sure that the foundation is capable of finding worthy places to spend $3.5 million as well.
John Wild
Longboat Key
Sarasota Library Story Hour “Storytime” on LBK
To: Jim Whitman
Jim, thank you for those observations. We were out of town and unable to attend.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota Library Story Hour “Storytime” on LBK
To: Longboat Key Commission
As you all know, I’ve had an ongoing interest in the project to add a Sarasota County library to the facilities on Longboat Key. As a result, I took on a trip to Bayfront Park last Wednesday to check out the “Summer Storytime” which was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on that day, as noticed in the July Town Manager Brief and elsewhere. A very nice young lady from the Downtown Sarasota library was there, but unfortunately not a single member of the Longboat Key public showed up, so she was preparing to leave early. She expressed disappointment at this, and wondered if it would be worth it for someone to come out on the next “Storytime” day, scheduled for August 7.
I must say that I am not surprised at this, since as you know, expressed public interest in increased library activities on Longboat Key has been very low, particularly in the summer, and particularly for children’s activities.
P.S. I was relieved to note that there were no Drag Queens hanging around for this children’s event. This was especially welcome in view of the outrages that were perpetrated on the entire world last week at the Olympics in Paris.
Jim Whitman
Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Commission
With thanks to Joan for her thoughtful suggestions, I heartily agree with this proposal. We need a clear, sensible boundary for boaters that will protect this fragile waterway and establish a quiet zone for all concerned (humans as well as manatees). I look forward to discussing the bridge-as-boundary option when Town management has feedback to offer.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Greer Channel and Beach/ Swim and Kayak Zone/ Motorboat Zone Fix
To: Longboat Key Commission
On behalf of the Lands End HOA Board, representing the community just south of the Bergstrom/Saunders/Mayer properties, we wholly support Joan Bergstrom’s recommendations regarding the Greer Island Swim/Kayak zone. Due to the vague dividing line, motorboats regularly encroach into the swim/kayak area, creating all the problems noted by Joan.
In addition, many boats play excessively loud music, disturbing not only beachgoers, but the residents at the north end of LBK. Loud boat music also continues to be a problem on the Jewfish Key Sandbar. Signage should also include prohibition on loud music in violation of LBK’s noise ordinance, both on Greer Island and the sandbar.
For all these reasons, the entire Greer beach east of the bridge should be reserved for swimmers/kayaks. There is more than ample room for motorboats west of the bridge.
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Greer Channel and Beach/ Swim and Kayak Zone/ Motorboat Zone Fix
To: Longboat Key Commission
My name is Joan Bergstrom and I am a 70 year resident of the Land’s End/Longboat Pass area located at the North end of Longboat Key. Also, I am a part of the Bergstrom – Mayers – Saunders Family who have lived at Land’s End on the Pass located at the extreme North End of Longboat Key for over 75 years.
We at Land’s End appreciate the Commissioners’ addressing, creating and enforcement of a Swim-Kayak Zone and Motorboat Zone. However, by placing a section of the motorboat west side zone in proximity of the east side swim kayak zone has caused a conflict.
There is a 4 -fold problem that we are witness to daily as this area has great allure for boater and beachgoers alike. There is a problem which needs a clarification of the delineation between the East Swim and Kayak Zone and the West Motorboat Zone. The problems as I see them are below as follows:
1) The motorboats are intruding by removing the swim floats and using the swim kayak zone beach to moor their boats. This intrusion causes constant enforcement by the LBK Police and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Dept.
2) The intrusion of the motorboats creates danger for swimmers and kayakers for having large motor props to interfere in their passive recreation area.
3) The Manatees and sea life are constantly endangered by this motorboat activity next to their Channel to the sanctuary of the Greer Inlet.
4) The motorboat activity of this small Greer Channel area blocks the over one million-dollar channel which was built in a joint effort by Manatee County and Longboat Key for access into the Greer Inlet by Homeowners who need access to their homes and docks and the passive use by kayakers, wildlife and the Manatees.
Through the efforts of the Commissioners to create a clear channel opening into the Greer Channel and to create two separate zones was well done. However, now a little further tweaking in the design and signage is necessary to make this nice enhancement function smoothly. If signage could be added stating public beach rules regarding pets in an effort to protect the nesting birds in the area there, it would be a very good thing.
I would respectfully like to support the letter of suggestions recently made to the Town of Longboat Key and the Manatee County Commissioners by Tom Mayers to more clearly separate and delineate the East swim kayak zone area from the West motorboat zone area using the bridge as the dividing line. Kindly refer to the photo diagram of the Greer Channel with an outline design solution for dividing the two zones by Tom Mayers included with his letter. It is confusing and difficult to enforce how it is presently laid out. Thank you for addressing this issue in a timely manner.
I kindly suggest making the Longboat Key Bridge the dividing line between the motorboat area and the passive swim/kayak area so that the problem is resolved with more clarity. Please see Tom Mayers’ photo solution already submitted with his letter in early June, 2024.
Thank you for your prompt consideration and your actions for solving this ongoing matter permanently.
Joan Bergstrom
Longboat Key
Comment Response
To: Longboat Key North members
Eddie, Jim and Richard – Know you worked on the LBK North recommendation, so wanted to get you this info from FDOT (this was a follow-up item from our last LBK North meeting). Sounds like FDOT has assigned a community responsive Project Manager (David Turley) to this initiative. Will defer to your expertise in looking at the numbers, but it seems like the difference between the low and mid level bascule is 1 less opening.
FYI, the initial note that David Turley responded to (at the bottom of this thread) was my personal resident note to FDOT, not our formal letter from LBK North.
Isaac & Ken – Wasn’t sure you had this info so am passing along. Thank you both for keeping FDOT connected to community.
Maureen Merrigan
Longboat Key
Comment Response
To: Maureen Merrigan
I apologize for getting back to you a little late, but I had to do some digging on the information you requested. The individual information is as follows:
Low Level Bascule – 26’ clearance – 61.8% of boat traffic can go under – slope of bridge is 3% – Cost: $147 – $158 million
Mid Level Bascule – 36’ clearance – 69% of boat traffic can go under – slope of bridge is 4% – Cost: $153 – $165 million
High Level Fixed – 78’ clearance – 100% of boat traffic can go under – slope of bridge is 4.5% – Cost $116 million
As far as the bridge openings per day, we looked at data from 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022:
2019 – average number of openings per year – 2459, per month – 205 and per day 7
2020 – average number of openings per year – 2298, per month – 192 and per day 6
2021 – average number of openings per year – 2589, per month – 216 and per day 7
2022 – average number of openings per year – (did not have full data), per month – 222 and per day 7
David C. Turley
Project Development Engineer II
FDOT District 1
Comment Response
To: FDOT Project Development Engineer David Turley
Thank you for your response. I co-chair a large community group with 24 homeowner and condo associations on the north end of Longboat Key (LBK North). Thank you for leading a project that will improve our infrastructure, transportation and safety, especially pedestrian and bike safety going over the Longboat Pass bridge. The community also appreciates the considerations you and your leadership are giving to reduce proposed bridge width and height.
One question that has come up from our group of 24 representatives, is concerning the number of bridge openings. Do you have data to share that indicates the number of openings, including times of day and months, that occur for the Longboat Pass Bridge currently? This data would help us better understand the potential impact on travel times. If the numbers are not broken down – even averages would help. In other words, does the bridge open 2 times a day or 22 times (we assume somewhere in between) and do these numbers change significantly throughout the day or by month?
Another question we get is the difference in height, slope, cost and bridge openings between the current bridge and the two other bascule bridges. Do you have a graphic that I can share with the group? (I think you had a summary graphic at the last Town Commission meeting).
Lastly, can you remind us of the next step in the design /decision process. Feel free to call if easier to discuss. Thank you for any assistance with this information.
Maureen Merrigan
Longboat Key
Comment Response
To: Maureen Merrigan
My name is David Turley and I have taken over as the Project Manager for the SR 789 (Longboat Key) PD&E Study. The reason for the email is to respond to your comment made during the workshop:
“Dear Mr. Bateman,
Thank you for soliciting input regarding the Longboat Pass Bridge. Our first priority should be to repair and extend the life of the current bridge as long as feasible. It serves us well and has no significant impact on traffic. The relationship between LBK north end traffic and bridge openings is minimal at best.
If the bridge is to be replaced, only the lower bridge would fit the scale of the community and surrounding areas. A lower bridge would still allow for recreational fishing.
The proposed width of the bridge in each of the new build options is excessive. The expansive width will increase the cost of the project unnecessarily and impact the vegetation, noise barriers and adjacent residential property (Northgate condo units and the N Shore Rd entrance.) The proposed width in no fashion aligns with the adjoining Gulf of Mexico Drive roadways.
Please consider shoulders 1/2 lane width (vs the proposed full 12 ft length lane).
While the outer pedestrian, bike and fishing lanes would benefit from being wider than the current 5 ft lane, 8 ft lanes are more than sufficient. The proposed 12 ft lanes on each side would only waste tax payer dollars on excessive cement and construction and encroach on current vegetation and nearby housing.
I am completely opposed to the taller bridges, as someone who bikes and walks over the bridge frequently. FDOT must already be aware of the year on year increase in e-bike and scooter traffic going over the LB Pass bridge by residents and workers who are trying to avoid the traffic backups. The taller bridges are much more dangerous due to the natural acceleration of bikes (electric and manual) and scooters going over the bridge.
Any opportunity for passengers to appreciate the beauty of the pass is lost on the taller bridges – all one typically sees in steeper, taller bridges is the cement and sky in front as one climbs up a bridge, and the road and tops of houses and trees as one descends.
Finally, FDOT should do all it can to maintain the current bridge landing footprint (LBK side) to minimize impact to the surrounding neighborhood, existing housing and vegetation.
I hope FDOT can explore methods to extend the life of the current bridge. If FDOT must construct a new bridge, please construct one that is low (Alternative 1) and much thinner than the proposed options presented.”
Thank you for your input on this study. We are exploring options to reduce the width of the replacement options, including reducing shoulder or travel lane widths.
David C. Turley
Project Development Engineer II
FDOT District 1
Comment Response
To: Maureen Merrigan
Thanks for this. I believe David Turley is the new FDOT representative taking over since Patrick has moved to other projects. David was introduced at a couple of recent meetings and seems to be responding to emails that we all sent a few months ago. This is very encouraging.
I agree with your assessment that the difference between lowest and highest Bascule bridge looks like it is one per day. I wonder if they have seasonal data? Are there days or months when the openings become greater than say 10 per day?
Just a couple of thoughts for now.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Eddie Abrams
Longboat Key
Added Clarification Necessary
It seems that I might have misspoken in my earlier email to Gary Coffin, whom I have cc’d on this update.
A close reading of ordinance 151.03 B(3)(a) does actually state (mind-bogglingly), “shall not protrude more than 12 inches seaward of the existing seawall or seawall cap.” This makes no sense! We all know that seawall “caps” extend well beyond the actual sea wall.
Accordingly, I know of at least one contractor who has interpreted this to mean that they can measure 12 inches from the seaward edge of an existing seawall cap, thereby protruding well beyond 12 inches from the actual seawall. This is not the intention of this ordinance. Who is actually responsible for writing this ambiguous and contradicting language? (As an aside, this ordinance also uses both “protrude” as well as “project” in the same paragraph). It is very apparent from the approved issued permits I have seen, and forwarded in my previous email (none of which include actual measurements, only a “disclaimer” acknowledging “12 inches from seawall or seawall cap”), that this ambiguous language is already being exploited by contractors.
This is a huge problem, that I wonder might come into play in the mitigation of the issue now before the Town regarding Ranger Lane.
We need an emergency HOA Board Meeting to discuss this, with the intention of presenting our concerns and seeking clarification from the Town Manager. Let’s discuss when Lynn is back in town!
Chris Sachs
Longboat Key
Added Clarification Necessary
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Am I correct that modification of this ordinance falls under the state’s no amendments for two years?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Noisy Offensive Construction Traffic
on Old Bradenton Road
To: Sarasota City Engineer Nik Patel
As we agreed, I have initiated a conversation with MasterRock, asking that they route their dump truck traffic out of our neighborhood onto US301.
In last Thursday’s phone conversation with Kevin, a manager, I asked the company to reroute their trucks. His responses were the following,
• We’re allowed to use the street, which is correct – currently.
• Other trucks use Old Bradenton Rd, which is also true. But,
o The MasterRock trucks are like an army of giant noisy ants having discovered a stash of honey, a pile of dirt in this case. One neighbor counted 38 in one morning. It would take days to count that many “other trucks.” I’ve observed 3 in 10 minutes.
o The other trucks have better noise reductions in their exhaust systems. People can hear the MasterRock trucks three blocks away. Imagine the decible level on Old Bradenton Rd and Myrtle. Those trucks were not designed to operate in residential areas.
• His first comment was, it’s the shortest route, which it is not. From the light at the 7-11 and University Pkwy where the trucks have to turn, using US301 is a third of a mile shorter.
Friday via a certified postage, I sent the attached letter to MasterRock.
This industurial noisy traffic is negatively impacting the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of our homes. Please know, our effort to get this traffic out of our neighborhood will not end here.
How can we get together to talk about this? Our August officer’s meeting is 8/12, 6 p.m. at the home of Mary and Pete Fischer, 3407 Old Bradenton Rd. You are most welcome to join us, as are any of those copied on this email. An RSVP would be useful, considering their home would be hard pressed to accommodate everyone copied.
Richard Harris
Sarasota
Noisy Offensive Construction Traffic
on Old Bradenton Road
To: Richard Harris
Thanks Richard for this outreach effort and for copying me on this. I am not sure what the City can do to help (legally and practically since we don’t have official truck routes) but this is a good first step on your part. Keep me in the loop and I’ll keep this on my list of discussion items with Mr. Brown, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Fournier.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
Legacy Business website update
To: Sarasota City Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch
Please see the link to the City of Sarasota’s Legacy Business website. Jennifer said that when you tried to pull the site up it was completely blank on your phone. I tested the site on my city cell phone and it came up with no issues. When you get in the office please let us know so we can have IT take a look at your device.
In discussing the vision for the webpage Wayne advised that they are in development of a more visually appealing landing site for the program with logos of each legacy business and perhaps a photo of the organization getting their recognition. As it currently stands there are 5 Legacy Businesses listed on the GIS Map on the webpage, they are adding two additional that just received their recognition. If you have any further questions please let me know.
Pat Robinson
Deputy City Manager, City of Sarasota
Legacy Business website update
To: Sarasota City Assistant Manager Pat Robinson
Thanks for getting back to me. I probably did not explain myself clearly as I am not having trouble with the Legacy Business landing page but it is the (hamburger) dropdown menu that links to nothing (see attached screen shots). I have attached screenshots. I am aware staff are working on this and am eager to see the updated site when it starts to fill in with info.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
Damage to Golden Gate Point Streetscape
To: Judy Mower
I forwarded your email to Mr. Brown, even though I saw you copied him, and asked him to make sure this gets taken care of. He is already on it. Let me know if you don’t hear from anyone.
Liz Alpert
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Thank you
To: Sarasota City manager Marlon Brown
I hope this email finds you well. As someone who has been on the Public Art Committee for almost 6 years in the position of Art Expert, I wanted to tell you how impressed I am with the support the city has given to the PAC. We are making a positive splash and have many great things coming.
The city has long been attractive to tourists and existing citizens because we are known as ‘an artsy community”. I live in a building downtown and on many evenings when I see residents dressed up in the elevator, they tell me they are going to a play, concert or an art opening. Makes my heart proud.
Now that the Public Art Master Plan has been approved, we have wings! With your help, Mary Davis has been instrumental in making this happen. She is a tireless liaison between the local govt and the citizens. While I continue to be impressed with her, she is a mere mortal. She could really use some assistance. Please find it in your budget to get her staff. The amount of goodwill, tourism and joy the public art scene is creating surely pays off in expanding the art initiative by way of adding more people.
In these times of exhausting news cycles, your citizens are looking for calming and enjoyable reasons to congregate. Public art is one of those things. Less fighting, more art!
Wendy Lerner
Sarasota
Thank you
To: Wendy Lerner
I truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts about the Public Art Master Plan and even more appreciative of your comments about Mary Davis…she’s awesome and amazing. I also agree about not only the news cycle being exhausting but the fighting as both have infiltrated the great our City and City Commissioners have been doing. Yes, let’s focus on the calm and let’s hope our Public Art program spearheaded by Mary Davis is one remedy in continuing to make our city even more amazing. Thanks for sharing Wendy and I will continue to keep an eye out on what assistance we can provide to Mary Davis. All the best and thank you for your volunteer service to our city and the Public Art Committee.
Marlon Brown
City Manager
City of Sarasota
